What is a High-Functioning Codependent and How to Stop Being One

Ever wonder why some people who seem highly capable and successful still struggle with people-pleasing and relationship dynamics? This episode features a powerful conversation with psychotherapist Terri Cole where we unravel the hidden patterns of high-functioning codependency — a form of codependency that often goes unrecognized, especially in high-achievers. Drawing from her new book, Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency, Terri explains how behaviors like over-giving, fixing, and being overly invested in others' outcomes are often mistaken for love and care but can actually lead to burnout and resentment. We explore how to identify these patterns, shift out of autopilot advice giving, and build authentic connections through healthier boundaries. Packed with relatable insights and real life examples, this episode is a must listen for anyone seeking to reclaim their energy, set empowered boundaries, and transform their relationships. Dive in and discover how small shifts in behavior can lead to a more liberated and fulfilling life.

Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, global relationship and empowerment expert, and the author of Boundary Boss and Too Much! For over two decades, Terri has worked with a diverse group of clients that includes everyone from stay-at-home moms to celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs. She has a gift for making complex psychological concepts accessible and actionable so that clients and students achieve sustainable change. She inspires over a million people weekly through her blog, social media platform, signature courses, and her popular podcast, The Terri Cole Show.

—Terri’s Book: https://hfcbook.com/
—Terri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricole/
—Terri’s Website: https://www.terricole.com/
—Terri & Mark’s Crushing Codependency Course: https://crushcodependency.com/mark

Previous Podcast Episodes:

—Redesigning Your Love Blueprint with Terri Cole: https://markgroves.com/episode/redesigning-your-love-blueprint-with-terri-cole/
—Codependency, The Disease To Please with Terri Cole: https://markgroves.com/episode/codependency-the-disease-to-please-with-terri-cole/
—Crushing Codependency Myths with Terri Cole: https://markgroves.com/episode/terri-cole-crushing-codependency-myths/
—How To Become A Boundary Boss with Terri Cole: https://markgroves.com/episode/how-to-become-a-boundary-boss-terri-cole/

Resources From Episode:

—Melody Beattie’s Podcast Episode: Breaking Free from Codependency with Melody Beattie: https://markgroves.com/episode/breaking-free-from-codependency-with-melody-beattie/
—Terri & Mark’s Crushing Codependency Course: https://crushcodependency.com/mark

If you want to dive deeper into Mark’s content, search through every episode, find specific topics we’ve covered, and ask him questions, go to his Dexa page: https://dexa.ai/markgroves

Themes: High-functioning Codependency, Terri Cole, Breaking Codependency, Self-Care and Boundaries, Emotional Burnout Recovery, Codependency in Relationships, Codependency vs Independence, People-Pleasing Habits, Setting Healthy Boundaries, Terri Cole Too Much Book, Relationship Dynamics, Emotional Health Podcast, Empowered Relationships, Overcoming Codependency, Personal Growth Strategies, Mental Health and Relationships, Healing Emotional Exhaustion, Psychology and Relationships, Self-Love and Self-Worth, Transforming Relationships

0:00:00 Intro
0:02:50 The Urgency of Writing
0:05:43 Traits of High-Functioning Codependency
0:11:18 The Impact on Relationships
0:16:31 The Cost of Over-Functioning
0:22:22 Finding Your Own Path
0:30:15 Surrendering Control
0:34:34 The Roots of High-Functioning Codependency
0:47:30 Authentic Self-Expression

This episode is sponsored by:

—BON CHARGE: Use code MARKGROVES to save 15% at http://boncharge.com/MARKGROVES

—Qualia Life: Use code MARKGROVES to save 15% at https://qualialife.com/markgroves

Contact us at podcast@markgroves.com for sponsor product support, questions, comments, or just to say hello!